Wal-Mart presents grant to program for women recovering from addictions

Thursday

Dec 27, 2012 at 12:01 AMDec 27, 2012 at 8:13 PM

Off the Streets, Inc. was selected to receive a Wal-Mart Foundation and Facility No. 1385 grant through the Local Community Contribution Program in the amount of $500.

Wal-Mart Foundation and Facility No. 1385 wrote in the email that they “believe that your organization is doing important work to the communities you serve, and we are proud that we are able to support you in your efforts”.

The mission of Off the Streets Program, Inc is to give women the opportunity to recover from alcohol and drug addiction and prostitution in a safe and healthy environment.

With the increase in alcohol and drug usage and prostitution in Gaston County, the program aids the community by reducing the lifestyle and risk to women. The program provides a link to detoxification services, life skills training; job placement services, NA and/or AA 12-Step Program and other needed services. The women in the program are closely monitored and their progress is tracked for three years of their enrollment in the program.

Off the Streets is the only program in Gaston County and surrounding communities that supports women on the streets. Other programs provide services, but are not geared toward the combined issues of prostitution, abuse and addiction, according to Shaaron Funderburk , founder and CEO.

“There are few places that women can go who are released from jail,” she said. “They are turned away from most agencies due to their drug use and street behavior. Their only alternative is to return to the streets. Off the Streets receives at least four to six calls per day from women who are in need of services.”

For additional information, contact Funderburk , by phone at 704-214-3331 or by email at shaaron1otsp@yahoo.com.

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